Kinda ScanGauge w/o OBD - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

So_SiMpLe_ · 12-28-2009, 08:30 PM

Hi there!

Is there any kinda equipment like scangauge for cars without OBD? No electronics at all.

The only one I know is the vacum meter.

Thanks!

gone-ot · 12-28-2009, 08:44 PM

...how far back year-wise are you talking about?

...if it's got electronic fuel injection of any sort (throttle body, manifold, etc.) then possibly the MPGuino is usable?

...if it's straight carbureted, you might have problems.

So_SiMpLe_ · 12-28-2009, 09:14 PM

It's an old diesel engine from 1992 a ford fiesta 1.8D, I think the vacuum is the best solution right?

Daox · 12-28-2009, 09:16 PM

Does the engine have a throttle? If not, a vacuum is pretty useless.

gone-ot · 12-28-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daox

Does the engine have a throttle? If not, a vacuum is pretty useless.

...as Daox states, a vacuum gauge is only usable if the engine is "throttled," since diesel engines are un-throttled with engine speed being controlled by injector fuel volume.

So_SiMpLe_ · 12-29-2009, 07:24 AM

But you can plug a vacuum meter on the brake vacuum lines right?

Won't it give the right data?

gone-ot · 12-29-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by So_SiMpLe_

But you can plug a vacuum meter on the brake vacuum lines right?

...yes, you could connect it there, but...

Quote:

Originally Posted by So_SiMpLe_

Won't it give the right data?

...no, because THAT vacuum I believe is a mechanically 'pumped' vacuum and not the diesels' manifold vacuum which is basically atmospheric pressure, ie: NO vacuum.

...you really want to measure how hard (or not) the engine is "working" not the barometric atmospheric pressure that tells you the altitude.

So_SiMpLe_ · 12-29-2009, 06:43 PM

But i fitted on a gasoline Seat Ibiza like i said and was working! It connects to the intake manifold! Right?

So can do nothing to scan anyway the engine?

So_SiMpLe_ · 12-29-2009, 07:01 PM

But i fitted on a gasoline Seat Ibiza like i said and was working! It connects to the intake manifold! Right?

So can do nothing to scan anyway the engine?

Piwoslaw · 12-30-2009, 11:45 AM

A gasoline engine was vacuum in the manifold, that's just the way it works. This vacuum can later be used for brakes, etc. In a diesel there is no vacuum, so the brake assist has to be generated by an external pump powered by the engine. A diesel would work just fine without the vacuum pump, in fact it would have that much less load on its accessory belt or camshaft.
If your diesel has a turbo, then you can monitor the intake air pressure. It's not much, but always something.